The Dragon Quest series isn’t the most well-known within Square Enix’s stable, but it’s one of the most influential. Its simple turn-based combat became the blueprint of hundreds of modern RPGs. It doesn’t have any fancy battle mechanics like Persona’s Press-Turn system. But that’s what’s so special about these remakes. They offer chances for new fans to experience how RPGs were like 40 years ago without the complexity and fluff, but with modern sensibilities so that they’re both playable and accessible.
Starting last year, developer Square Enix has been remaking the original Dragon Quest trilogy, starting with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake, upgrading the graphics and adding new gameplay features. This year, Square Enix is releasing the other two games in the trilogy with Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D remake. While the double pack feels incredibly familiar, there are a few key differences in their gameplay presentations that make them distinct from each other. Inverse spent 20 minutes each on both games, and came away impressed.
